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White Sox get first look at AJ in Rangers blue

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SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The in-game media session with A.J. Pierzynski on Tuesday at Surprise Stadium started with the catcher's detailed analysis of Yu Darvish's scoreless pitching performance in the White Sox 14-8 victory. And that topic only seems right, considering Pierzynski is now the Rangers' catcher.

But after about two or three minutes, the conversation moved to Pierzynski facing his former team for the first time. After all, he spent the past eight years on the South Side and was a key member of the 2005 World Series champions. It's a topic both sides clearly have moved past, but with the White Sox going to Texas from April 30-May 2, and then Pierzynski returning to U.S. Cellular Field from Aug. 23-25, it's a topic that will be addressed again.

"Another game, another game. I've said all I need to say about the White Sox," Pierzynski said. "I've talked to the people I needed to talk to over there. I'm happy that it's over and you guys can quit asking me about it.

"Other than that, it's done. There's not very much to say about it. It was a great run we had but it's over and done. Everyone knows how I feel about the people there and the fans, but it's over."

Pierzynski chatted with Dewayne Wise, Gordon Beckham and Alex Rios when each former teammate stepped to the plate in the top of the first. When White Sox manager Robin Ventura was asked if they had a little fun with Pierzynski, Ventura smiled and said Pierzynski was all business.

Ventura added that it was strange to see Pierzynski in the Rangers' blue.

"I'm sure it's strange for him, too, when you put on different colors," Ventura said.

Although Pierzynski has fully embraced his new home with Texas, that change doesn't mean he'll cut off all associations with the most successful and possibly the most enjoyable segment of his career.

"I still have people I communicate with a lot over there. People that will be lifelong friends that I played with," Pierzynski said. "Gordon Beckham, Dwayne Wise, all the guys in the lineup I knew. Facing [Brian] Omogrosso, a guy I caught, said hello to him.

"There are other things besides baseball. I wish them nothing but the best and what happened, happened. There's not a person there I have hard feelings towards."